Finn gave a response, then lay back on the bed, allowing his drowsy brain to slowly recover.
The next second, Finn sat up abruptly on the bed, his eyes lighting up.
Spider-Man: "?"
[I've figured it out!] Finn suddenly realized the key to why he hadn't fallen before, yet specifically fell down the stairs last night. [Falling from the second floor last night was definitely Andrew's doing! It must be my Misery Plan working! He took advantage of me being asleep and used his superpowers to push me down the stairs!]
Thinking that his Misery Plan had yielded results so quickly, Finn felt a faint sense of excitement rising in his heart.
This sudden inner voice startled Peter, who was beside him, his brow furrowed instantly—Andrew? Superpowers?
This gave even Spider-Man a sudden sense of wary crisis.
The mechanical voice of System PP rang out at the opportune moment: [The Host did indeed stumble while sleepwalking; no interference from any external force or supernatural power was detected.]
Finn: 【.. Fine, I'll just take the blame for falling myself then.】
The young man lay back down resentfully, truly unable to make sense of it.
[Crashing a car worth 2.7 million dollars only grants 0.5% Misery Value, but twisting an ankle actually yields 2%?] Waking up to find his Misery Value had skyrocketed by 2 points, Finn, who had always been stuck at a low Misery Value, found it more unbelievable than surprising. [But when I had my stomachache and lay in the middle of nowhere, exposed to the wind until I developed a fever, I didn't get a single point of Misery Value.]
Spider-Man: "!" You've even experienced something like that!?
I see." Finn sat up again with an air of solemnity, his eyes suddenly clearing. "With a foot injury, you can't go to dance class, you can't drive, you can't go out to play, you can't go to Anthony's to tinker with the hamster contraptions, you can't forcefully drag Andrew to dress up as a hamster to continue my 'Rich Second Generation Defeat' plan.. Thinking about it like that, it really is quite miserable.
Thinking of this, Finn lay back down dejectedly, shrinking into his soft bedding.
But in less than three seconds, Finn propped himself up again, his eyes filled with fighting spirit.
Spider-Man: ".." Are you performing sit-ups right in front of me?
[No, crises are often opportunities. I should think about how to use this foot injury—]
If you're awake, you should get up and eat breakfast." Peter hurriedly interrupted Finn's train of thought; just hearing Finn's thoughts made him feel flustered about the [Misery Plan]. Especially since he had actually heard from the young man's inner thoughts that he had a stomach problem just now—Peter thought he should ask the Wilsons' butler about this privately later. "Mrs. Wilson has already prepared your clothes. Shall I help you get dressed?
“You should be going home today, shouldn't you?” Finn was now completely awake, looking up at Peter.
Yeah, I told Aunt May I'd be back before dinner," Peter nodded, a hint of worry hidden in his eyes. On one hand, he was concerned about Finn's leg injury, on the other, he was even more afraid that this guy, who was obsessed with causing misery, would come up with some other ridiculous "self-torture and others-torture" idea in secret. Peter's coursework this semester wasn't actually that heavy, but he also had to balance the research projects at the Osborn Group, not to mention his identity as Spider-Man, so he couldn't keep an eye on Finn all the time. "I have to head over to the Osborn Group in a bit to report for duty as an intern for the new project.
Finn had also heard Peter mention it yesterday; he had been placed into another project by Harry, who indeed took quite good care of his friend Peter.
"That sounds great, we can meet at the Osborn Building in the future." Finn thought it sounded quite good, though with his foot injury, he wouldn't be making a special trip to the Osborn Building to clock in for work these past two days. Although his work wasn't particularly meaningful; every day he just sat there drawing hamsters.
Peter helped Finn change his clothes, once everything was tidied up, they prepared to go downstairs for breakfast.
Noticing that Peter reached out to carry him down again, Finn hurriedly waved his hands in embarrassment: "No need to carry me, I can jump down by myself."
As he walked downstairs, Finn discovered that the stairs were covered in non-slip mats, there was an additional white, elevated safety gate at the entrance of the second-floor staircase that required manual opening and closing.
".. What is this?" Finn stared with wide eyes, his voice filled with disbelief.
"Mr. Wilson had it installed overnight, fearing you might fall again." Peter was still carefully supporting the young man.
Finn stared at the gate, frowning thoughtfully, "This thing looks like it's meant to keep cats in."
Peter couldn't help but stifle a laugh.
Exactly!
Peter had wanted to say something when he saw it at the time, but he suddenly felt that Finn was truly like a curious cat that loved to run around everywhere—a very expensive and cute breed, of course. Especially when he thought of the scene from midnight yesterday where Finn was sliding around the room on one leg using a walker; he was just like a cat chasing after a new ball of yarn.
And.. sometimes, videos of cats accidentally falling from upstairs would pop up online as well.
Peter reached out to support Finn as he jumped down the stairs one step at a time, then watched Finn eat breakfast.
Just stay at home and don't run around everywhere." Before Peter went to report to the Osborn Building, he still gave his instructions with concern, "I'll come find you when I'm finished.
My feet are already fixed in place, how can I run around?" Finn looked at Peter with a puzzled expression. "Blake's game is entering closed beta, he's coming to play with me this afternoon. Didn't you quite like that crazy game concept of his before? I'll ask for a closed beta access for you later; if you have any interesting ideas, you can mention them to him as well.
"Sure." Peter also remembered that single-player game called "Escape from the Mental Asylum"; he was quite interested in it.
After Peter left, just as he had feared, Finn was indeed not idle and began causing trouble by sending text messages.
The recipient was Andrew, the text message was concise and unreasonable, which could be summarized as—
My leg is injured, I have something for you to do. I've sent you the address; come over yourself.
It was the complete behavior of an arrogant rich second generation, carrying a commanding haughtiness, without any unnecessary explanation, without even giving the other party any room to refuse.
Andrew replied quickly, with that same familiar "OK."
Finn had originally planned to have Andrew come over today, so he began to force him to dance, making him prepare for the hamster's performance later. Since teaching him to dance was currently not working, Finn's ambition wouldn't allow him to simply stagnate; since everything depended on one's own efforts, he decided to switch to a different way of making things difficult for him.
Andrew arrived much faster than Finn had expected; he had rushed over in his cousin Matt's car.
“Are you.. alright?” Andrew didn't know why Finn had called him, but Finn had indeed said during the last party that he would look for him if something came up. Andrew looked at Finn, who was sitting on the sofa with a brace strapped to his ankle, a hint of worry inadvertently flickering in his eyes.
I'm fine, just a minor sprain," Finn said casually, gesturing for Andrew and Matt to sit down. "You can see my foot is injured, so I'm a bit limited in my movements right now. I assume you also remember the accident from last time; it's only right that you help me out with something, isn't it?
At the thought of that accident caused by him, which resulted in the destruction of a car worth 2.7 million dollars, Andrew subconsciously appeared restless due to the psychological burden.
"Yes." Andrew nodded with difficulty.
Finn felt he was quite wicked and obnoxious, as if he had caught Andrew in a weakness and was exploiting it over and over again.
"Did you bring a camera?" Finn asked with a blink.
"I brought it." Andrew's camera was carried with him, but of course, he didn't dare take it out and point it at Finn.
It's fine, take it out and film," Finn said generously. "I'm afraid you won't be able to remember.
Andrew looked puzzled, but he still followed Finn's words.
Very good." Seeing Andrew start to take notes, Finn casually and arrogantly tossed out the task he had come up with, "There's still more than half a month until the Halloween party, but I intend to do something different at this party. Yes, I do indeed leave the arrangements for my parties to the event company, but actually, I'm not very satisfied with many things, I feel they've been a bit perfunctory with the last few parties, but I'm also too lazy to communicate with them.
It was likely because of the budget constraints; whenever Finn proposed something, the event manager would constantly hint that he should increase the budget.
It wasn't that Finn was unwilling to add more money, but his expenses were indeed massive. His funds were being strictly controlled by System PP, he was also short on cash.
"Go and coordinate with them for me," Finn said to Andrew, getting straight to the point.
".. Me?" Andrew's face was filled with disbelief; he could never have imagined that Finn had come to him for this.
For someone like him, who had always lived his life hiding behind a camera, it was simply unimaginable that such a mission would inexplicably fall upon him.
Even Matt was very surprised.
He certainly knew his cousin; he had barely attended any parties, Andrew had almost no social life or social activities whatsoever. His only hobby was simply holding a camera and filming videos. Aside from him and Steve Montgomery, he had zero social interaction with anyone else.
Right." Finn nodded affirmatively. He was well aware of Andrew's introverted and reclusive personality, which was why he had specifically arranged this 100% difficulty social task for him. Mimicking Harry Osborn's tone and mannerisms from the meetings, Finn offered no explanation as to why he was doing this; he simply pulled out his phone, played several videos, forcefully stated his demands. "I want a dance troupe that can perform a Skeleton Dance, they must wear glowing, fluorescent skeleton outfits while they dance.
This is also very interesting, a Joker group dance.
The OVERSTEP Band will still come to perform, but they need a brand-new stage that is very Halloween-themed. I want something like this, something very cool and explosive.
I also want this kind of high-end setting with noble, crimson-red velvet sofa chairs, the kind that has the sophisticated feel of a vampire's ancient castle; girls will love coming here to take photos.
These IV bag drinks can be hung in two long rows in the air, which creates a great atmosphere, below them, there should be a rich and unique display of Halloween snacks.
..
Andrew and Matt were practically numb from listening; no wonder it had to be filmed and recorded, because it was truly impossible to remember.
The two of them sat there on the sofa, staring blankly as Finn talked on and on.
It was just like two miserable interns who had just joined the company, being dragged out by their boss and forced to brace themselves to sign several hundred million dollar projects.
"I really can't do this!" Andrew said anxiously. He could manage a magic performance, but this arduous task of coordinating events.. It was clearly something that required superb social skills, for someone with zero social skills, it was absolute hell.
Isn't there an event company?" Seeing Andrew's expression turn anxious and tense, Finn knew he had succeeded. But at the same time, Finn also felt that this was a bit too difficult for Andrew, so he added a sentence, "I'm not saying we don't need an event company, it's just that wouldn't it be too much trouble if I had to handle every single matter myself?
The budget is only this much, but I am the kind of client who wants everything.
"I'll transfer the event budget to your account later; additionally, consider this money a tip." Finn handed Andrew a sum of cash, maintaining his usual routine.
"I.." How would Andrew dare to agree?
What? Do you think the money isn't enough?" Finn raised an eyebrow, casting a cold and arrogant gaze, staying true to the track of [Continuing to Humiliate Dignity by Throwing Money]. Finn deliberately brought up the accident again, "Don't forget, I didn't hold you even a little bit responsible for that car accident. Surely you can handle something as trivial as this?
Andrew's face was pale, his knuckles white, as he stared at the young man before him with a deep frown.
It seemed as though there were many things to ask, the atmospheric pressure around him dropped several degrees, yet he remained silent, maintaining his usual habit of restraint.
Finn appeared calm on the surface, but his heart was already racing with anxiety; he even felt as if Andrew were frantically accumulating Misery Value against him in his mind.
He was even a little afraid that Andrew would use his superpowers to flip him over right then and there.
"Fine, we will get it done." Seeing the atmosphere reach a stalemate, Matt took the initiative to agree on Andrew's behalf.
Andrew looked at his cousin in surprise.
"We'll go back and discuss this properly." Matt gestured with his eyes and gave Andrew's back a reassuring pat.
"By the way, I have several important documents in the Osborn Building. Since you probably don't have anything else to do, go and get them for me." Finn felt that the Misery Value earned this time was almost sufficient, but since he was already here, he might as well take the opportunity to push it further, continuing to carry out his arrogant and demanding attitude to the fullest.
"Alright." Andrew glanced at Finn, suppressing the turmoil in his heart, spoke with his head lowered, maintaining his usual composure.
After walking out of Finn's villa and getting into Matt's car, Andrew finally breathed a sigh of relief, only to be enveloped by a sense of immense pressure once again.
“Don't worry, this is doable. Have you forgotten about Montgomery? He's in the student council and has organized many similar events. Montgomery knows a lot of people and is socially savvy; he can definitely help." Seeing Andrew's dejected expression, Matt hurriedly comforted him, "The event budget is actually quite high. You know, Finn Osborn is very wealthy, those event companies definitely set their prices high on purpose. We can definitely compare prices and find better options."
Andrew frowned deeply, but what was actually bothering him at this moment was something else entirely.
"Don't you think Finn is intentionally making things difficult for me?" Andrew turned his head to look at Matt and asked.
".." Matt couldn't say for sure either.
"He hates me?" Andrew thought Finn had already made it very obvious, which actually made him feel quite strange.
In truth, he felt that Finn was not an arrogant young master of a wealthy family; he had been very friendly to them when they first met, when they met for the second time after that car accident, he even comforted him, saying that crashing a car was just a small matter, he would also send him messages every day because he looked forward to his magic show.
Andrew had certainly heard that Finn was friendly and easygoing with everyone.
But for some reason, quite contradictorily, Finn would act arrogant, cold, demanding when facing him.
“But why?” Andrew couldn't figure out what he had done wrong; he had almost lost his composure and asked him face-to-face back in the villa.
Matt also found it strange. Performing magic was particularly odd; even though there were so many famous magicians in New York, the opportunity had inexplicably fallen upon the three of them, unknown high schoolers, as if they had won the lottery. But in truth, Matt also harbored a vague suspicion—
“Could it be because.. you look like his brother?”
After Matt said that, Andrew's pupils constricted, as if he had suddenly realized something.
It was as if he had been lost in the fog for a long time, only to suddenly see a signpost, all the illogical details instantly connected.
Finn's hot-and-cold attitude, the deliberate difficulties, that inexplicable arrogance and harshness directed solely at him.
So that's how it is.